In run-up to 2019 polls, PM Modi attacks Naveen Patnaik

Politics

Jharsuguda (Odisha), September 22, 2018: In the run up to the 2019 general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on Naveen Patnaik Government in Odisha accusing it of scam-ridden and being the barrier for development in the State.

Addressing rally at Amlipali in Jharsuguda after inaugurating the Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Modi said corruption and delay in decision and policy-making have become the identity of the Odisha Government which is creating a roadblock for development.

Attacking the State Government Modi, said, “PC (percentage) culture is prevalent in Odisha… ‘isi PC ke wajah se log peeste jarahe hain’. Be it sapling scam, cooperative scam, road construction or irrigation, corruption has its presence everywhere,” said Modi.

“Healthcare, infant and maternal mortality, malnutrition haunts the people of Odisha. The State Government here fails to act. The response which should be from the State Government’s side is very poor. And we from the Centre have to wake up the State Government to act,” alleged Modi.

“It’s time for a major change in Odisha. The change will help in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the State,” added Modi.

During his one-day visit to the State, the Prime Minister laid foundation stone for the commencement of work for the revival of Talcher Fertilizer Plant in Angul, inaugurated the 53.1 km long Jharsuguda-Serdega railway line constructed by the MCL and dedicated the Veer Surendra Sai airport in Jharsuguda in the presence of Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan.

Modi too addressed two public rallies – one in Talcher in Angul district and another at Amilpali in Jharsuguda- during the day-long event.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu was present only at the Jharsuguda airport inauguration event.

At the Talcher rally, the Prime Minister took on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over Odisha’s refusal to implement Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Scheme.

“Nearly 50 crore people will benefit from Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana under Ayushman Bharat scheme which will be launched tomorrow from Jharkhand. It is not understood that why Naveen Babu does not understand. I urge friend Naveen Babu in this public meeting to join the initiative as 29 other States have already joined the scheme,” said Modi.

“Under the scheme one can get benefits from hospitals across the country. The actual status of the health sector in Odisha is known to all. Hence, I will not be able to serve you if Odisha Government does not cooperate,” Modi said.

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